Labrador Retriever Commissioned oil painting by Vonnie Kohn

"Bear"

16 x 20"

oil on canvas

Sold

Labrador retrievers are among the most favored dogs of the canine world. They are gentle giants, faithful companions, excellent hunting dogs. This is the last of my Christmas commissions. It is also one of my all-time favorites. I met "Bear" a few days ago to finalize her portrait. What an endearing canine! she was thoroughly in sync with the commands of her owner's father. (I'm not sure who is more attached-the owner or his dad) No two animals-even of the same species-are alike. Each has his own character traits, expression in the eyes, his posture...and his owner is able to recognize them at a glance. I challenged myself to capture Bear's soul on canvas. It is my hope that Bear's family will enjoy this beautiful experience as well. Merry Christmas, "Bear."

I will be accepting new commissions after January 1st. Please contact me at:

www.vonniekohn.com

Thank you for looking!

"Eye Candy Series"-#5, Ribbon Candy" by Vonnie Kohn, Christmas candy, small works

"Eye Candy Series-# 5, Ribbon Candy"

4 x 4, oil on canvas

Gallery Wrap-needs no frame

$ 50

Ribbon candy is one of those classics of rock candy. It's been around forever. I remember getting some of this in my stocking when I was a child. Now I am "stuffing" the stockings for my grandchildren with the same wonderful kind of candy. I chose this as part of my series as the reds and greens just sparkle with delicious color. Another delightful memory...goes along with thoughts of presents, the Christmas tree, twinkling lights...ah, Christmas.

I accept personal checks & PayPal...please contact me if interested:

www.vonniekohn.com

vkohnartist@aol.com

"Eye Candy Series"-#4, Peppermints" by Vonnie Kohn, Christmas candy, small works

"Eye Candy # 4-Peppermints"

4 x 4" Oil

Gallery Wrapped (no frame needed)

$ 50

Peppermint candy, in the form of a candy cane or round mints, has many functions. It has a history of aiding in the aftermath of eating or to "enhance" or "sweeten" one's breath. There is, however, another important role in the seasons...it is a sign of Christmas approaching. Going to the store for candy was not a routine event in my childhood. Imagine how excited we were when we arrived at our grandmother's house to discover a candy dish filled with these delicious treats at holiday time. Now it is my turn to carry on family traditions. I  set out peppermints in a festive candy dish to treat my art students as they leave class (with their parents' permission, of course). The best part of today's post is that there are no hidden calories in pleasant memories....enjoy the moment.

I accept PayPal and checks. If interested, please contact me at:              

 

www.vonniekohn.com

http://vonniekohn-artist.blogspot.com

vkohnartist@aol.com

Thank you for looking!

"Eye Candy Series"-#3/ Candy Corn, oil painting by Vonnie Kohn, Thanksgiving, small works

"Eye Candy Series, # 3/ Candy Corn"

4 x 4"

Gallery wrap (no frame needed)

$ 50

Thanksgiving is upon us!

In the United States we celebrate this  time of year when our forefathers celebrated their first year at Plymouth, Massachusetts during the 1600's with a time of Thanksgiving. There is a story in which food was so scarce that most days the Pilgrims only had a daily ration of 5 kernels of corn apiece.  The Pilgrims, refusing to give in to despair chose to trust in God, regardless of their circumstances. They considered these kernels of corn as a blessing. I chose to depict "Candy Corn" as commemorative of the stedfastness of our forefathers during this Thanksgiving season...let US be thankful!

If interested, please contact me at:

www.vonniekohn.com

vkohnartist@aol.com

Thank you for stopping by!

Eye Candy Series-# 2, "Bon-Bon" , oil painting by Vonnie Kohn

"Eye Candy Series" # 2-Bon Bon

4 x 4" gallery wrap, needs no frame

Oil Painting

$ 50

Many years ago, I used to work as a "packer" for a well-known candy company. That meant I placed a piece of chocolate candy into a paper foil and packed it into a fancy box. I had to learn to do this rapidly because the box was on a conveyor belt & moved along. The trick was to put "x" number of candies in proper order in the box before it moved along the belt. Much later after this job, I saw a Lucille Ball show in which she did the same thing. She didn't move fast enough & began stuffing candy down her blouse to make up for lost time. I did not have to resort to that method but learned that my real calling was art, not that of a "candy packer." Nevertheless, it was an experience that brought this bon-bon to a pleasant memory..enjoy.

Please contact me if you are interested in purchasing...it would make a pleasant memory-and, no calories!

www.vonniekohn.com

Thank you for looking

"Eye Candy Series"-#1, Chocolate Covered Cherry by Vonnie Kohn, Christmas candy, small works

 

"Eye Candy" # 1

Chocolate Covered Cherry

Small works..4x 4"

Oil on gallery wrap (no frame needed)

$ 50-available

When I was much younger, a box of chocolate covered cherries was the ultimate treat at Christmas time. As the holiday season draws near, I am reminded of this candy as I pass through the stores, listening to Christmas music (can you believe it's not even Thanksgiving yet?). I was asked to do a few "Candy" paintings for a candy company to exhibit through the holidays and it inspired me to do a whole series from the pleasant memories I had as a child. Feast for the eyes..."Eye Candy". 

 

If interested, please contact me for availability:

 

www.vonniekohn.com 

http://vonniekohn-artist.blogspot.com 

 vkohnartist@aol.com

 

Thank you for looking!

Equine Expo Show with Weatherford Art Association, Vonnie Kohn

Whew! What a busy November it's been. A trio of members from our art guild (Karon Richardson, Julie Lawther, and myself) hosted a booth at the Teskey's Equine Expo in Weatherford, Texas early this month. In Texas, we are experiencing an unseasonal heat in the month of November. My "summer tan" came a little late during this show..aka, "boiled lobster" status. We had much fun, good sales, and a raffle which was a fund raiser for our art group. It included 3 (excited) winners for a Christmas ornament with a painted horse (or small pet) of the owner. There was also a re-enactment group (with a jail) next to our booth & a Country/ Western band to provide entertainment. I was careful not to get some time in "jail." What a good day for sharing our art with others.

Vonnie Kohn receives MVP award in Art

It's been one of those unpredictable weeks! This week I received an email from the current president of my art guild -a group that has over 100 members. He was requesting that I present a very special award to the past president, Paul Latham, standing to my right in the photo. The reason? I shared the same time frame as an officer (Vice-Pres. of Shows), & this new president was not a member at that time. Sounded good to me...I agreed.  The Betty Murray Award in our art guild is equivalent to the Most Valuable Player award in football.This award usually goes to the one person who best represented the guild to the community and who exemplified a high standard of dedicated service to the art group. 

When the moment arrived to step up to the microphone, Paul preceded me to the microphone to speak to the art members. To my surprise, he was announcing my name for the Betty Murray award! I froze. Upon recovering, I took the mike, spoke of Paul's dedication during that four years & handed him an award too. It was his turn to become speechless.. It was a night full of delightful surprises. The board members had decided to engage each of us to present the other with this award to ensure the element of surprise.  Anyway, Paul and I were both humbled and grateful for the honor. 

There is a good lesson from this...I will not be playing "poker" with any of those board members.

"La Golondrina" by Vonnie Kohn, equestrian Spanish woman on horseback, oil

A "golandrina" is a young Spanish woman skilled in equestrian drill team riding. Here in the Southwest, there are many such drill teams who perform on Cinco de Mayo (the 5th of May), a holiday celebrating Mexican heritage and pride. This holiday is celebrated both in the United States & regionally in Mexico to celebrate the cause of freedom and democracy.

This young beauty has taken a pause to enjoy the moment between the  performances. Her drills have taken many hours of practice to synchronize in perfect timing with many other young ladies. These women are all dressed alike, with matching tack and gear and are a delight to watch as they perform.

Oil on canvas. 24 x 36". 

Installed at Beto's Restaurant in Springtown, Tx. for grand opening. 

This painting is already sold, however, other works may be found at:

http://www.vonniekohn.com/

Opening Gallery Reception at the Doss Heritage & Culture Center

Tonight was gallery night and the official opening of the Weatherford Art Exhibition at the Doss Heritage and Culture Center in Weatherford, Texas. There were two featured artists, Michael Bain, who specializes in troumpe l'oil ("fool the eye") technique, and Pamela Stern, a clay ceramist, who casts her illusionary fugures in a way that challenges the viewer to think in a provocative manner.

The museum show was featured on Channel 11 in Ft. Worth, a tv news station prior to the opening night. The art exhibit will continue through the entire month of September, 2011. More information may be obtained from the Doss website:          

http://www.dosscenter.org/

I am standing on the left with a good friend, Becky Glasgow, another participating artist in the show. Kudos to C.B. Williams and the staff of the Doss for their efforts at putting together a wonderful exhibition. A night of great reward...

Spanish Collection of Oils by Vonnie Kohn, at Beto's Restaurant



Anna, Beto, & Vonnie Kohn

In Texas, we have a wonderful cuisine known as Tex-Mex. Near us is a place known as Beto's Restaurant. The owner, Beto Garza, is also the chef, while his wife is hostess. We came to know Beto when he was employed at another local restaurant in our town. His excellent cooking left its mark on our community. When he became a proprietor of his own place, we found ourselves as faithful customers once again.

His blank walls became a "canvas" for my paintings to hang. Here is one of them,  a 24 x 48" gallery wrapped canvas whose subject is one of five main Spanish Missions located on the "Mission Trail" in San Antonio, Tx.

Owners, Anna and Beto

I later added 2 smaller paintings to his collection. There is another works-in-progress, entitled, "La Golondrina" which is soon coming.

If you find yourself in the area (about 25 mi. west of Ft. Worth, Tx.), they are located at 1272 Hwy 199 E., Ste. 101 in a small shopping center on the top of the hill. It is one of those quaint little places in Texas that you encounter on a day trip...stop bye, I think you will be pleasantly surprised! Their phone # is: 817-677-4127 if you need further directions.


vonniekohn.com

"New Paintings at the Doss Museum"...by Vonnie Kohn, contemporary western landscape, Native art

I've been accepted!

Welcome news... from the curator of the Doss Heritage & Culture Museum in Weatherford, Tx--a town also known as the "cutting horse capital" of the world. The exhibit will be the month of September, 2011.  These paintings will be available for sale during the show.

I have just included "Cactus Heat" in my previous post (see below), but the second painting is not a painting...it is a skilled drawing on a metal plate, etched with acid baths, and then printed on a specially prepared rag paper. It is one of a limited edition of 20 etchings. (which means when the edition is completed, the plate will be destroyed).

This Etching is entitled: "A Rich Heritage." The image was inspired by many trips to

family gatherings, otherwise known as Powwows, as I observed the matriarchs in their finest Native American jewelry, fans, and prayer shawls. (The prayer shawl is required to step into the ring for dancing...it is a sign of respect.)

Custom Frame size: 20 x 24

Neutral tone, triple-cut mat

For more information, please visit my website:

http://www.vonniekohn.com/

"Cactus Heat" by Vonnie Kohn, oil on canvas, landscape, desert flowers

"Cactus Heat"

12 x 16"

Gallery Wrap

(No frame needed)

I used to live in the Southwest in a dry, hot, desert area in my early years. Many do not see this as a desirable place to be, however, there is much beauty to observe during the spring and summer.

The prickly pear cactus has a time of flowering that only lasts for about a week. Often the "fruit" will nearly cover the entire cactus. I stumbled on this cactus in bloom on the way to an art class about a month ago. Fortunately my camera was with me. The day was in the triple digits, but it did not take away from the beauty of this beautiful cactus...hence, the name-"Cactus Heat"

If interested, please contact me @:

http://www.vonniekohn.com/

"A Hard Day's Work" by Vonnie Kohn, Western, saddle, chuck wagon, contemporary

Ever had a really hard day at work? Backbreaking, searing outdoor heat, cranky horse, stubborn cattle? I photographed this saddle resting on a wagon wheel at a chuck wagon cookout on a really hot day. It belongs to a good friend, artist, and spur maker, Bob Burleson of Parker County, Tx. I seem to have a nostalgia for saddles...my father was a top notch saddle-maker when I was young. The smell of leather still captures my attention. I even find myself going into a leather shop to smell the leather!

11 x 14" Oil on Canvas

Gallery wrapped canvas (no frame needed)

If interested, please contact me at:

http://www.vonniekohn.com/

Thanks for stopping by...

"Bringin' Em In" by Vonnie Kohn, contemporary western art, equine, cowboys

"Bringin' Em In"

8 x 16

Oil, framed

$ 125

While visiting a Texas ranch a few weeks ago, I happened to witness a couple of cowboys herding several horses in from the "back forty." These were horses that had been on the range for a few weeks. There's something exciting about watching a herd of horses running full speed, with thundering hooves across the pasture, their manes flying in the breeze. In time, they would be tamed down to work as the cowhorses they were meant to be.

Paypal & checks accepted. If interested, please contact:   

http://www.vonniekohn.com/

http://vonniekohn-artist.blogspot.com/

Thank you for looking!

"Lady Wranglers" by Vonnie Kohn, cowgirl boots, impressionism

"Lady Wranglers"

12 x 12" Gallery wrapped

Oil on Canvas ..$100

Available

These delightful boots belong to one of my young art students. In real life, she is a cowgirl that competes in junior rodeos. When I showed this painting to her, she had already moved on to a newer pair of "used" (or better known as "cow-lot") boots. I was struck by the worn elegance of the pink boots against the bright, sunstruck grass beneath her feet. If interested, I accept personal checks & PayPal. Please follow the link on this blog to contact me.



"New Gallery Night", multi-artist show, Denton, Tx.

GOOD NEWS!  One of my paintings has been accepted into a juried show in Denton, Tx.  The painting is "Isaiah's Scroll," an oil on panel, framed with a gold gilded ornate molding. It is an Old Testament scroll with a mirage of the face of the Messiah in that portion of Scripture that testifies of His coming.

The Inspirational theme is "Faith Guides Us." There will be an art reception on Tuesday, April 5th, featuring a special musical guest: The Phantom Solaris. (facebook.com/pages/The-Phantom-Solaris)

The exhibit will be for the month of April. For more information, the website for the gallery is:

  http://www.oxidegallery.com/

Admission is FREE...please join us!

"Watchful Eyes" by Vonnie Kohn, oil painting of dogs with western setting

Have you ever observed how much our animals love us without strings attached? My family was entering a Tex-Mex restaurant one evening when I noticed all the patrons looking out (seemingly at us) a large window. As my eyes followed their stares, I noticed a pickup to my immediate right with two dogs in the back, guarding the saddles, blankets, bridles. They were being completely obedient to the command, "stay." When we entered the restaurant, I found two cowboys, wearing their full regalia, complete with boots and spurs, standing in line. I didn't have my camera at the time, but I remembered.....two years later, with the right setups, I completed this painting. I still remember the obedience of the border collie, the other, an australian cowdog. I could just envision those dogs waiting patiently in a pasture while their master was hunting, or working a fence line, or locating a young calf. What do you think? This painting has found a new home, but there are others. Please visit my website for more information:

http://www.vonniekohn.com/

18 x 24...oil on canvas...SOLD

Presentation of Portrait to Museum, "Native Son"



January was another busy month in my calendar! Parker County Today, a monthly magazine whose founder & editors were part of the Ft. Worth Star Telegram, featured an interesting article in their January issue, entitled "Native Son." It described the portrait of S. W. T. Lanham, former governor of Texas during the years of 1902-07. The local chapter the Sons of Confederate Veterans of Weatherford, Tx commissioned me to do a portrait of him during 2010. The painting was presented to the Doss Heritage Center on January 25, 2011. Doss Heritage & Culture Center is a  museum featuring the history of Parker County, west of  Dallas-Ft. Worth. The following is an excerpt of the article:

"NATIVE SON" by Phil Riddle

For a small town, Weatherford has made quiet an impact in a number of arenas. Mary Martin (Peter Pan) and Larry Hagman are famous actors from the Parker County seat. Former House Speaker Jim Wright got his political start as mayor of Weatherford. And cattlemen Charles Goodnight & Oliver Loving both had ties to this North Texas town. Those people & their contributions are important says Jerry Walden, warning against forgetting another hometown son who made a name for himself. That would be Samuel W. T. Lanham, former Governor of Texas who called Weatherford home.

Walden, commander of the local Sons of Confederate Veterans Camp bearing Lanham's name, decided folks in the former governor's home territory should be reminded of his accomplishments as the state's chief executive. So he commissioned a painting of Lanham, which will be displayed at the Doss Heritage and Culture Center. "I wanted to do something to give back to the community," Walden said.

Walden said the portrait, painted by well-known artist, Vonnie Kohn, will be on loan to the Doss Center, but will also be displayed on a rotation basis to area banks. Kohn, the artist, researched decades of portraits & photos to come up with a composite age-correct portrait of Lanham during his tenure in office at Austin. The traditional portrait included a ghost image of the capital in the background  displaying the American Flag and the Flag of the Lone Star State.

"Rainbow in a Blue Vase"

When I was a younger artist, my mother-in-law had several bushes of hydrangeas planted in her front garden bed. She called them "snowball" plants. In memory of her, I planted a hydrangea bush in my front yard a few years ago. In our Texas heat, I had to take special care to put this bush in a partially shaded area...not an easy feat when there are few trees in the front yard! It has never done well; however, this year it was completely loaded with all the colors of this variety of flower--blues, pinks, lavendars, & even whites! As a homage to Spring (& my mother-in-law), I have put this Rainbow in a Blue Vase. Enjoy!

Oil on Canvas...11 x 14...gallery wrap (needs no frame)

(Sold)

 

This painting has just found a new home, but there are others to be found on my website:

http://www.vonniekohn.com/

Thanks for stopping by!